Remember the days when computers first rolled into classrooms on clunky carts? Or when the internet went from a dial-up novelty to a research powerhouse? For educators, adapting to new technology is a familiar challenge. Today, the new frontier is Artificial Intelligence, and while some view it with apprehension, pioneering teachers are already harnessing its power to transform their classrooms.
In Wisconsin, a couple of award-winning educators are leading the charge, proving that AI can be a powerful ally in the quest for more engaging and effective learning.
The Veteran Innovator: More Creativity, More Engagement
Mark Acherman, a science teacher at Darlington Elementary/Middle School with over 30 years of experience, sees AI as the next logical step in classroom technology. He’s not just accepting it; he’s actively embracing it. “As a teacher, technology has always allowed me to become more creative and a more engaging teacher,” Acherman shares. “We have to figure out how we can incorporate (AI) while still doing so many of the other things that are important for students to learn.”
For his fifth- and sixth-grade students, Acherman uses an AI tool called Curipod to build interactive lesson plans. The tool does more than just present information; it encourages participation. Students can submit answers and vote on the best ones, pushing them to think more creatively. It also provides valuable feedback by analyzing their written work and suggesting areas for improvement. This innovative approach is a key reason he was named a 2026 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year.
The Authentic Learning Advocate: Challenging Teachers in a Healthy Way
Brian Counselman, a science teacher at Madison’s Malcolm Shabazz City High School, shares this forward-thinking mindset. As a 2025 Teacher of the Year, he works in an alternative school focused on project-based learning, where he sees firsthand how technology motivates students. Instead of banning AI, he believes in leaning into it.
“When you look at things like homework or assignments, I think it challenges teachers in a really healthy way,” Counselman explains. The challenge? To create authentic learning moments where students are truly engaged—working on projects, collaborating face-to-face, and experiencing things in real time. He emphasizes moving beyond basic memorization to a deeper understanding of concepts. The goal is for students to synthesize what they've learned and apply it to their own lives.
“Sure, you can look something up, you can look up a fact,” Counselman notes. “But what the AI tool can’t do is reflect on how you engaged with an experience in or outside of class.”
Striking the Perfect Balance
The common thread between these two educators is their focus on balance. They are skillfully taking advantage of the efficiency and engagement AI offers while doubling down on the human elements of education that technology can't replace: critical thinking, personal reflection, and real-world application.
Their approach offers a powerful blueprint for the future of education. By treating AI as a tool rather than a threat, they are preparing students not just for tests, but for a future where collaborating with technology is the norm.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace, Don't Ban: Forward-thinking educators are integrating AI as a tool to enhance learning.
- Boost Engagement: AI tools can create more interactive and creative classroom activities.
- Challenge Old Methods: AI pushes teachers to design more authentic, project-based assignments.
- Focus on Human Skills: The best approach balances AI's capabilities with an emphasis on reflection, critical thinking, and real-world experience.
- Authenticity is Key: Assignments that require personal reflection and application are less susceptible to being completed by AI alone.